# Luxurious Steak Sandwiches Wagyumafia's Menu Includes an $180 Sandwich Called 'The Cutlet' By Joey Haar | Published 2018-01-26 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wagyumafia References: [thedailymeal](https://www.thedailymeal.com/eat/japanese-restaurant-open-nyc-180-wagyu-beef-sandwich-menu) & [wagyumafia](http://www.wagyumafia.com/) Wagyumafia, a Tokyo-based restaurant, has announced that it will soon be cross the world to open a Manhattan franchise, and with it it'll be bringing one of the restaurant's most famous menu items: The Cutlet. The sandwich is ostensibly simple, consisting of a [breaded and fried steak cutlet](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/j-mac) between two slices of toasted white bread, but it isn't just any meat in the middle. The Cutlet is made with extremely fine Kobe beef, making it cost an eye-popping $180. The Cutlet has long been a social media hit — though it looks like a [simple sandwich](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steakhouse-char-melt), it doesn't take an expert butcher to see the quality of the beef. And for those who still want the [wagyu experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tesco-finest-wagyu) without having to drop nearly $200, Wagyumafia also offers a slightly more affordable $45 sandwich made with a leaner cut. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 62% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **High-end Sandwiches:** The rise of luxurious sandwiches made with premium ingredients presents opportunities for innovative menu concepts and elevated dining experiences. - **Global Franchise Expansion:** The expansion of Tokyo-based restaurant Wagyumafia to Manhattan signals a trend of international restaurant franchises seeking new markets and customers around the world. - **Social Media Food Culture:** The popularity of visually striking and high-value menu items like Wagyumafia's $180 steak sandwich highlights the influence of social media on consumer preferences and dining trends. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fine Dining:** Upscale restaurants can capitalize on the trend of high-end sandwiches, offering unique and indulgent options to attract discerning diners. - **Hospitality:** The global franchise model allows for hospitality businesses to expand into new markets and take advantage of the growing demand for premium dining experiences. - **Food and Beverage:** Food and beverage companies can leverage social media platforms to showcase visually appealing and exclusive food items, influencing consumer desires and driving sales. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Premium Fast Food Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wagyu-steakhouse-burgers.md) - [Plant-Powered Steak Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-steak-sandwich.md) - [Premium QSR Steakhouse Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steakhouse-garlic-ribeye-sandwich.md) - [Premium Teriyaki Steak Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-onion-steak-teriyaki-sandwich.md) - [Gold Leaf-Topped Sliders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rich-n-famous.md) - [Pretzel Roast Beef Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pretzel-roast-beef-burger.md) - [Premium Japanese Meats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wagyu-haus.md) - [Blended Wagyu QSR Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bacon-ranch-wagyu-blend-burger.md) - [Cubed Steak Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steak-sauce-whopper.md)